6 winter beer and food pairings from Toronado's beer guru

Normally, you can catch Nate Soroko pouring beers at Modern Times Brewing or at top beer bar Toronado, patiently dropping some beer knowledge on the thirsty masses while helping them sort through the lengthy selection. Now, we've enlisted him as our beer guru for winter. Not only is Nate giving us his picks for the best beers to drink this season, but he's also paired them perfectly with dishes from restos all over town.

Laugunitas Sucks

Lagunitas Brewing Company,7.8 % ABV IPANate says: "Killer killer IPA. They are known for their Brown Sugga release during the holidays but this 'mistake' is my choice. Fresh and citrusy. Drink this with the salt and pepper wings at Cork and Craft."

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Sierra Celebration

Sierra Nevada,6.8% ABV Fresh Hop IPANate says: "This fresh hop IPA is one of my favorite beers. Nice pine and citrus with a super-drinkable palate. Hops and spicy are beautiful friends, so this winter, grab a six pack and order a Carnitas Snack Shack steak sandwich and laugh at everyone dealing with snow."

Avec Les Bon Voeux

Brasserie Dupont,9.5% ABV Belgian BlondeNate says: "This is my second favorite winter release by one of my top breweries. This is a beautiful golden beer that pleases any palate. Any real beer bar should carry this on tap, and it would go great with mussels at Brabant. I, however, plan on going outside the box and drinking this at Fathom Bistro with their Sunday brunch fried spam and rice."

Stupid Stout

Coronado Brewing Company, 9.0% ABV American Imperial StoutNate says: "Stupid Stout is a great version of an American stout; clean and nutty. It’s a winter release, but doesn't have mint or spruce or weird stuff. Pop a 22 of this at Brothers Provisions in Rancho Bernardo with one of their killer grilled cheeses... preferably a sharp cheddar. If you want to stay closer to the area, do the minestrone and grilled cheese at Waypoint Public."

Winter Yulesmith

Alesmith Brewing,8.5% ABV Imperial RedNate says: "An imperial red from one of the premier breweries, not just in San Diego, but in the US. Sweet and nutty hints of slight bitterness. Drink it with the Crimini pizza at Local Habit or the Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms at Monkey Paw. Actually, do both."

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Gift of the Magi

The Lost Abbey,9.5% ABV Bière de GardeNate says: "This is a well-spiced Bière de Garde with some beautiful balance that has enough alcohol to cut a rich dish, such as the bone marrow appetizer at Brooklyn Girl."

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